A new chapter in robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty

The evolution of knee arthroplasty continues to be shaped by advances in technology, surgical philosophy and a growing understanding of the importance of personalized approaches to patient care. Today, robotic-assisted solutions are increasingly integrated into clinical workflows to support surgical planning, intraoperative decision-making and the accurate execution of complex procedures.

As part of its commitment to advancing medical education and supporting the adoption of innovative technologies in clinical practice, Santis Academy, together with DePuy Synthes | Johnson & Johnson MedTech, is pleased to invite orthopaedic surgeons to the official launch of the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution in Bulgaria.

Taking place on 11 November 2026 at Hilton Sofia, the event will bring together leading orthopaedic specialists from Bulgaria and Austria for a full day of scientific exchange, clinical discussion and hands-on experience.

Science, clinical experience and technology

The programme has been designed to explore contemporary approaches to knee arthroplasty and the evolving role of technology in supporting surgical decision-making.

Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to discuss:

• Personalized surgical planning and the role of technology in translating patient-specific anatomy into an individualized surgical strategy.
• Intraoperative decision-making, including how real-time information and digital tools can support the surgeon throughout the procedure.
• Alignment strategies in total knee arthroplasty, with a focus on contemporary concepts and their application in clinical practice.
• Kinematic alignment, exploring the relationship between patient-specific anatomy, functional considerations and implant positioning.
• Unicondylar knee arthroplasty, including patient selection, surgical principles and the role of technology in supporting precision and reproducibility in partial knee replacement.
• The relationship between surgical philosophy, technology and clinical workflow, and how these elements can come together to support consistent and personalized approaches to knee reconstruction.

The scientific sessions will combine expert perspectives and clinical experience from faculty representing Bulgaria and Austria, creating an opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge, discuss different approaches and explore how evolving technologies are being incorporated into contemporary knee surgery.

From theory to practice

A dedicated hands-on programme will complement the scientific sessions, allowing participants to move from discussion to practical experience with the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution.

Through interactive Total Knee and UNI Knee stations, participants will have the opportunity to explore the system and gain first-hand experience of its workflow. The practical sessions will also provide an opportunity to compare robotic-assisted and conventional surgical workflows, focusing on planning, execution and the practical considerations involved in integrating technology into knee arthroplasty.

The hands-on format is designed to encourage direct interaction with the technology, discussion among peers and a deeper understanding of how robotic assistance can support the surgeon throughout the procedure.

Featured Faculty

• Dr. Nikolay Tivchev
  Orthopaedic Surgery, Bulgaria
• Prof. Vasil Yablanski
  Orthopaedic Surgery, Bulgaria
• Assoc. Prof. Vladimir Stefanov
  Orthopaedic Surgery, Bulgaria
• Dr. Alexander Aichmair
  Orthopaedic Surgery, Austria
• Dr. Kathrin Sekyra
  Orthopaedic Surgery, Austria

Join us

Join us on 11 November 2026 at Hilton Sofia for a full day dedicated to the evolving landscape of knee arthroplasty — bringing together clinical expertise, scientific discussion and hands-on experience around the role of robotic-assisted technology and personalized surgical approaches.

Registration is required.
Places for the hands-on practical sessions are limited.